The case was investigated by the state Department of Social Services, which alleges Needham defrauded both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program.

A fraud investigation started as the result of a referral to the social service department’s toll-free fraud reporting hotline, according to a DSS spokesman.

The investigation found Needham had not reported that her two minor children were not residing with her and therefore was not eligible for the funds.

Investigators say Needham received $10,464 from the TFA program and another $6,444 from the SNAP program.

She is due to appear Feb. 6 in Norwich Superior Court. Bond information was not immediately available.